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Former Johnson star Toby Veal expelled from Paine after arrest

AUGUSTA — Toby Veal’s career at Paine College ended before it began.

Veal, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound forward who last played basketball for Virginia Commonwealth, was arrested in September for having a weapon in a school building. The former standout at Savannah’s Johnson High was expelled from Paine for violating the school’s weapons policy.

Lions coach Jimmy Link brought in Veal in January to help add impact in the frontcourt. Link said Tuesday he never had an issue with him.

“He’s not a bad dude at all. He’s a really nice guy,” Link said. “He’s never been in trouble before. He just made a bad decision.”

Veal was set to play for his fourth college. Then on Sept. 27, he got into a confrontation with an ex-girlfriend. Veal pulled a 9 mm Smith and Wesson handgun. He then locked himself in his dorm room before the resident advisor used a master key to unlock the door. He willfully handed over his weapon.

Veal began his collegiate career at Colorado, where he stayed for one season before transferring to Northwest Florida State College, a junior college in Niceville, Fla. He then transferred to Virginia Commonwealth, where he posted six points and five rebounds in a 2011 Elite Eight win over No. 1 Kansas. The Rams advanced to the Final Four; Veal didn’t return the next season.

At Paine, Veal was scheduled to become eligible after the third game of the season. He would’ve seen time at power forward and center. Instead, Link said he’s fine with his other frontcourt players, including returning center Allen Young (6-8, 210) and newcomers Jerel Stephenson (6-5, 220) and Arnis Libazs (6-8, 235).

“I don’t know if it’s a big loss or not,” Link said. “We have other bigs. If he ever played, it would’ve been a plus.”

Link said he doesn’t know about Veal’s future plans. He said playing professionally overseas may be one of Veal’s top options.